Thailand Seeks Industry Input on Food Additive Regulation Revisions and New Safety Assessments

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) has launched a public consultation on proposed revisions to the regulations governing food additives under Ministry of Public Health Notification No. 468 B.E. 2568 (2025). The review aims to align Thailand's food additive framework with current scientific evaluations, industry practices, and international food safety principles while strengthening consumer protection. Following the implementation of Notification No. 468 on 12 December 2025, food manufacturers and importers that were previously authorized have been granted a two-year transition period to achieve compliance with the updated requirements. The consultation seeks stakeholder feedback on proposed amendments, withdrawn provisions, and industry usage data to support future regulatory decisions. Key proposed changes include revised limits for Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids (INS 475), following dietary exposure assessments indicating potentially high intake levels despite JECFA maintaining an ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight. As a result, maximum permitted levels have been reduced or removed in certain food categories, including unflavoured liquid milk, vegetable oils, flavoured beverages, processed fruits, and frozen or processed seafood products. The draft also reflects JECFA's re-evaluation of Ascorbyl Esters (INS 304 and INS 305), for which the ADI was revised to “Not Specified.” Consequently, use levels in 63 food categories are proposed to be updated to Quantum Satis (GMP), while specific limits remain in place for sensitive products such as infant formula. In addition, the Thai FDA is updating requirements for several newly evaluated or re-evaluated additives, including Gardenia Blue (INS 165) as a food colour, Glycolipids (INS 246) as a preservative, Rosemary Extract (INS 392) as an antioxidant, and Thaumatin II as a sweetener and flavour enhancer. Stakeholders are invited to provide comments and technical information to support the ongoing review before the revised requirements are finalized.